For out past CSAI classes we have been working on “arcade controllers”. We were handed supplies and tools. The first thing we had to do was to create buttons for our box. The box has wires and a raspberry pi inside of it. The buttons would connect to outputs that also connected the wires. Connecting the wires, in my opinion, was the hardest part of the whole process. Then you have the ground wire. The ground wire connects all the buttons and the raspberry pi together. With everything connected together, the box would function. I made many mistakes while trying to put the wires together. Such as not being able to crush plastic (with provided tools of course). I soon realized that I am not that great at wires. With the buttons and wires connected to the raspberry pi, it was time to put my games into the pi.

I struggled a ton on this part. What we had to do now, was to put files of our games into the pi. My first problem was I used the wrong link to download them. In order to put the files onto the pi, you need to download them as an elf file. Eventually I got it, then you needed to move the file into the SD card. Easy peasy right? I tried to do it, but then I needed to find which file on the card it goes into. After that it was finally over. I chose to only put one game onto my pi, “Dungeon Run”. It was the one I was most proud of. Sadly, I do not have any footage of my game working, but I assure you that it does.

Now the box needed to be in its final state. I already had a decent sized box made out of cardboard, but it could be better. I added duct tape to it to make it more durable. Next, I created a sliding piece on the bottom of the box to allow easy access to my wires and pi. I planned to make it accessible enough to simply plug in cords to the pi from outside, like a phone. The force that was needed to actually plug it in is not suited for the box. So I made a compromise to this. The box now has an area that is safe for the pi, and it is also easily accessible.

Looking back at my work, I’m proud of myself. Normally I am good at coding, but wires are difficult for me. My game functions, and I’m still continuing to work on my new game. And I’m already finished with a project known as the “5 Second Game”. I can’t wait for more work, and I’m excited to see what new things I can learn. Whatever may come, I’m eager to learn more!